Home to comprehensive hospitals and a nationally recognized cancer research and treatment center, Albuquerque is blessed with top-notch health care.

Large providers such as Presbyterian Healthcare Services have deep roots in the community. The PHS system got its start 98 years ago in a cottage as Southwestern Presbyterian Sanatorium, and today it includes two hospitals, an emergency center, the four-county area’s largest health plan and 400 physicians working in outpatient settings.

The organization has emphasized its commitment to quality care since its humble beginnings. “We’re committed to providing health care that matches up to anyone nationally,” says Todd Sandman, director of public and government relations for Presbyterian Healthcare Services.

That same commitment to quality care is apparent at Lovelace Health System. Lovelace includes four acute-care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, 15 health-care centers located throughout the region, a 320-provider medical group, a laboratory and a state­wide health plan.

Lovelace is expanding its downtown facility (formerly Albuquerque Regional Hospital) with a more-than-$60-million renovation, committing millions for its west-side hospital and making a significant investment in its women’s hospital in the northeast quadrant of the city.

“We are transforming the way health care is delivered in Albuquerque and the region,” says Ron Stern, Lovelace president and chief executive officer. “We are making major investments in Lovelace Health System to provide our patients easy access to the highest quality of health care.”

Like Lovelace, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and the University of New Mexico Cancer Research and Treatment Center are expanding. The emergency room at Presbyterian Hospital will be doubled in size by late 2007. The project, carrying a $13 million price tag, will create a 25,000-square-foot emergency room.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services also is committed to building a full-service hospital in Rio Rancho, probably in 2008 or beyond, Sandman says.

Construction began in fall 2006 on the new University of New Mexico Cancer Research and Treatment Center. The $83 million, 195,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 2008.

Such improvements promise to further bolster Albuquerque’s reputation as a health-care leader.

For example, in 2006, the UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center became a National Cancer Institute-designated facility. In addition, U.S. News & World Report magazine ranked the UNM Hospital 46th nationwide for cancer treatment.

The UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center has operated for 35 years as the state’s official cancer center. It provides care to more than 3,500 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.

Riding the cutting edge of new therapies, the UNM center is committed to delivering state-of-the-art cancer treatment to New Mexico’s diverse population, says Dr. Cheryl Willman, director and chief executive officer.

Providing that kind of care is viewed as critical in a state where cancer represents the No. 1 health-care cost.